The Competition Begins, Tang Hao: My Clear Sky Sect is the number one sect in the world!

The next day, the morning glow filled the sky.

The eastern horizon was dyed a brilliant orange-red, the clouds layered and colorful as if scorched by fire.

Since the tournament was officially starting today, Bibi Dong had risen especially early and headed to Zhao Linchuan's home.

She pushed open the courtyard gate, crossed the yard, and walked straight toward the bedroom.

The bedroom door was ajar; she pushed it open gently and stepped inside.

"Hmm...?!"

Bibi Dong's footsteps faltered. On the bed lay two—no, three people.

Zhao Linchuan lay in the middle, with Yan Lingji on his left and another Yan Lingji on his right.

The two Yan Lingjis clung to Zhao Linchuan, one on each side, sleeping with steady breaths.

"What is going on?" Bibi Dong felt puzzled, her voice tinged with confusion. "Why are there two Sister Lingjis?"

The Yan Lingji on the left stirred and slowly opened her eyes.

She rubbed her eyes, let out a yawn, and said in a lazy voice:

"Oh, it's Dong'er? I lost a little game to my husband yesterday, so I'm giving him a reward."

She pulled back her hand, glanced at the "self" on the right, and explained, "That is my physical clone."

"Oh—" Bibi Dong's eyes lit up with realization. She nodded, her gaze sweeping over the three people on the bed, her expression somewhat subtle.

"Why are you up so early?" Zhao Linchuan poked his head out from under the covers, squinting at the window and yawning. "The sky has only just brightened."

"The tournament starts today, I couldn't sleep."

Bibi Dong took a step back and headed toward the door.

"Then you two rest a while longer; I'll go prepare breakfast."

With that, she closed the door and retreated.

The sound of her footsteps faded down the hallway, followed by the faint clatter of pots and pans from the kitchen.

Inside the bedroom.

The "Yan Lingji" on the right slowly opened her eyes and sat up.

She glanced at the original Yan Lingji still lingering in bed, then looked toward the door, her tone filled with resentment and dissatisfaction.

"The good stuff never comes my way, but I'm the one sent out to take the fall for all the bad stuff!"

"You can't get pregnant anyway, what do you need the good stuff for?"

The original Yan Lingji wiggled to lean against the headboard, pulling the quilt up to cover her chest, her tone languid.

"Come back now. I'll let you out for some air next time."

"I'd rather not come out at all!"

The clone grumbled, transformed into a streak of white light, and dove into Yan Lingji's body.

The scene flashed.

Zhao Linchuan and the others had finished breakfast and were on their way to the tournament grounds.

Today's competition was being held one hundred miles west of Spirit City, in a basin surrounded by mountains on all sides.

Qian Xunji had ordered countless spectator stands carved into the surrounding slopes, layer upon layer, stretching from the foot of the mountains to the mid-slopes, enough to accommodate four or five hundred thousand people.

Furthermore, anyone could enter the stands to watch for the price of a single gold soul coin.

For commoners, one gold soul coin wasn't cheap, but it was acceptable.

One only had to grit their teeth to witness the top young soul masters of the era clash in person; no matter how you calculated it, it was a bargain.

The main road leading to the arena was packed with people.

"So many people." Bibi Dong looked at the continuous stream of crowds and couldn't help but mutter, "I've never seen so many people near Spirit City."

"These people have come from all over," Zhao Linchuan said, walking by her side, his gaze sweeping over the bustling crowd. "Once they return and spread the results of today's matches—"

"I fear it won't be long before names are known across the continent."

"Hehe, then I'll have to put on a good show," Bibi Dong laughed happily, her entire being radiating an eager excitement. "It's time to let people know how formidable this Saintess is."

"Then you two can fight over it," Yan Lingji said, walking on Zhao Linchuan's other side, her tone indifferent. "I happen to have no interest in such things."

As they spoke, the three of them arrived inside the arena.

The venue spanned over ten thousand square meters, all paved with Adamantine Rock, hard as iron and smooth as a mirror.

The field had been partitioned by soul tools into nine identical segments, separated by transparent soul power barriers that ensured the matches wouldn't interfere with one another while keeping the view unobstructed for the audience.

The central area was specially elevated for the best view, and disciples from various factions had already carved out countless rest areas of varying sizes with their tables and chairs.

Everyone wanted the best spots, and since no one was willing to yield, arguments had already broken out before the matches even began.

"Hmph! My Clear Sky Sect is the number one sect in the world!"

Tang Hao's voice rang out from the crowd, loud, arrogant, and incredibly overbearing.

He stood before two Spirit Hall staff members, arms crossed over his chest, and declared haughtily:

"On what grounds should we share the same rest area as those third-rate sects?"

"This contestant, please calm down."

The Spirit Hall staff member's face was dark, as if he were struggling to restrain himself.

"Your Clear Sky Sect has already occupied the rest areas of four or five other sects. If you continue like this..."

"So what?"

Tang Hao cut him off before he could finish, his tone dripping with disdain and contempt.

"They are only here to make up the numbers. It is already an act of grace that the Clear Sky Sect allows them to stay in the same rest area as us."

"Oh my..." A clear, resonant voice drifted in from outside the crowd. "Isn't this Tang Chen's precious son?"

The crowd automatically parted, and Zhao Linchuan and his two companions strolled over.

"What did you say?!"

Tang Hao's expression shifted instantly. He spun around, his gaze sharp as a blade, locking onto Zhao Linchuan as he bellowed:

"Say that again if you have the guts!"

"What? Are your ears failing you?"

Zhao Linchuan stopped in his tracks and deliberately raised his voice, as if afraid someone might not hear him.

"I said—! Did Tang Chen leave in such a hurry when he went knocking on his daughter-in-law's door that night that he forgot to give you ears?"

"Hahaha...!"

As soon as those words were spoken, the young soul masters in the surrounding crowd burst into laughter.

The laughter erupted like a string of firecrackers, crackling and popping, leaving people doubled over in hysterics.

As for the older soul masters, though they tried hard to suppress their amusement, their twitching lips, trembling shoulders, and contorted expressions betrayed them completely.

After all, to dare say such a thing directly to the face of the Clear Sky Sect—if one didn't laugh, they were likely suffering from depression.

"You bastard!!"

Tang Hao flew into a rage. A flash of black light flickered in his hand, and the Clear Sky Hammer was already in his grip.

The massive hammerhead glinted with a cold, eerie luster in the morning light, and the patterns on its surface resembled hideous veins, radiating a heart-stopping sense of oppression.

He raised the Clear Sky Hammer, pointing it directly at Zhao Linchuan, and said in a hoarse, furious voice:

"Brat! Your grandfather is going to teach you a lesson today!"

"I'll make sure you learn that you can't just say whatever you want!"

"Who are you planning to teach a lesson...?"

(Since no one objected, the first daughter will be A-Yan. Once I crush the Blue Lightning Tyrant Sect, I'll bring her back.)